1970 Nova Originally Automatic or Standard Trans

[red67]

I'm not sure this is the right place to ask this but here goes.

I'm looking at a 1970 Nova to purchase. It looks like a good part of the car is original but it has been changed over in the interior from a bench seat to buckets with a console and gauge package. It is currently a four speed. I'm concerned that it might have been an automatic from the factory. Any way to tell? I've been told that the speedometer cable location is different. It this true? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[red67]

Does no one here have any ideas? Seems odd.

[PxTx]

Actually, it is a popular question. I just did a quick search to find you your answer. Don't be afraid to use the search- though I often get better results using Google.

http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=447181&page=all

[red67]

Thanks for your help. I really appreciate it.

I've used the search function on the forum but honestly I've never had much success with it. I must be doing something wrong or not inputting the right stuff as I usually get completely unrelated links to what I want to find. I've kinda given up on it.

I searched on Google and Yahoo but didn't find anything useful.

The link you quoted is neat and I got some good information. A lot of the information I already knew from this and other forums and a friend who has restored a few 396/375 cars. But, my friend could only suggest the speedometer cable location which is the only automatic versus 4 speed info I got from the link. Most of the pictures I've found show 4 speed stuff rather than automatic. It would be nice to see some automatic SS pictures. I'm really familiar with Camaros as I've had a few but don't know much about Novas and the differences specifically.

[fsc66]

Well, If the Nova still has the original engine, you need to get the engine pad code, the last 3 letters will tell you whether the car was an automatic or manual trans: See the link below, scroll down a little and on the right under 1970 you'll see the various engine suffic codes


http://www.novaresource.org/codes.htm

Paul

[Zman1969]

Id be looking at what wiring us under dash if neutral safey switch is there and connected or if looks like pedals have been swapped? the four speed speedo cable came out just under wiper motor to bottom left of motor- about 8 oclock autos were no where near this. I have a pic of 4 speed cable on my 69 Nova on my cell if you want I can text it to you- PM me your number. usually few people do it factory so underdash will tell alot
hope this helps

[red67]

Thanks fsc66 and Zman1969, I appreciate your ideas and suggestions.

fsc66: Not original engine so no pad markings. Good suggestion of novaresource.org. I'm aware of this great site but hasn't helped me with this other than general info.

Zman1969: Good idea on the under dash wiring and the neutral safety switch. Hadn't thought of that. I'll have to check under the dash. Steering column has been changed to a tilt column from something and a console with guages was also installed so under dash wiring will likely be not stock. Interestingly the shifter is a Hurst and the interlock with the steering column works. This could indicate a higher level of workmanship for a change over. Thanks for the offer of a picture of your 4 speed cable but I have a good one from the link included by pxtx above.

Looks like I'll have to sleuth using all the suggestions and try and see if all the pieces fit together rather than there being a simple single thing to look for.

[Salvatore]

No need to worry about that. If changed from an auto to a 4 speed should really not hurt its worth in my opinion. Nova's do not seem to have those scrutiny problems.

[red67]

Thanks for your input. It really doesn't matter that much to me. I just don't want to pay for something I'm not getting if the price is different. I'm just looking for a good body and a decent driver which it appears to be not a show car.